November

Today is historic for the nation, and especially myself. Today, this first Tuesday in November, was the first time I voted! I have to say the experience was not as unnerving as I thought it would be. I was almost nervous to go vote today, partly because voting was a new experience and my vote was one of great significance. Today America is deciding the next president, and I helped in making that decision. When I stop and think about it, it truly is a remarkable right we have.

I registered to vote here at Fontbonne (how convenient!) a few months ago, and have been preparing for today for quite some time. I got all necessary information, probably more than I needed, to vote together, and brought myself up-to-date with the candidates and propositions. I considered myself an “informed” voter today. I did vote because I have never been able to, but also because it is a right I have, and as an informed citizen I enjoy having somewhat of a say in how things are run.

Voting was painless. I went after class this afternoon, and unlike other places here in the U.S., there was no line. My Fontbonne ID was all I needed, and I could even choose between paper and electronic voting. So many decisions! I chose paper. It seemed more official that way, actually inking in my votes. The whole process took me less than 15 minutes, and I made sure I grabbed an “I Voted” sticker on my way out.

I will probably remember that experience for the rest of my life, and will continue to vote. My job is done. Now all I have to do it sit and wait for the results! I think it’s going to be a close one!

I’d like to deny this and refuse to recognize any calendar days after October 31 because it means I have a ton of papers due in the 2nd week of November, but…I’m kind of ready for the semester to be over and getting through this month is just part of the deal. I’m figuring if I can do the papers (one honkin’-big one for History, one for Intro to Religious Studies, and a Math paper), then I’m basically done with the semester, because all that will be left is the ol’ learn-stuff-then-have-a-test-on-it routine, which I can handle.

If you’re feeling overburdened by school like me, hang in there! Just think – it’s almost Thanksgiving, and once it’s Thanksgiving, the semester’s pretty much over!

So in the spirit of trying something new this semester (not counting Fontbonne itself, which is new to me), I’m going to be participating in NaNoWriMo this year. I first discovered National Novel Writing Month a couple of years ago, but it was already halfway done and last year I just plain lost track of time. NaNoWriMo is an online community that dedicates the month of November every year to writing the first draft of an original novel. What your story is about is left completely up to you; all genres are welcomed. It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur writer who’s never written anything longer than a five page essay, because all skill levels are accepted. Plus, their forums offer generous support and a wide degree of information on a truly vast amount of topics. There’s only a few rules: 1) entries must reach 50,000 words by the end of November, and 2) writing cannot begin before November 1st. Other than that, you’re free to reach that goal any way you see fit!

Is anyone else on campus doing NaNoWriMo this year?

If you’re interested or you want to join, then check out their website here: http://www.nanowrimo.org/

Our Writers

Hi everyone! My name is Courtney and I am a Junior studying dietetics here at Fontbonne . I am hoping to eventually work in pediatrics or with athletes. I am currently Secretary of SAFCS. I love running, walking my dogs, cheering on the Cardinals, and finding new adventures around St. Louis. I can't wait to share my adventures with you!

Hi guys! My name is Morgan, and I am currently a sophomore here at Fontbonne studying Speech-Language Pathology! A few things about me: I'm on FAB's (Fontbonne Activities Board) executive team for marketing; and I'm also involved with Dance Marathon and Griffin Gang. During the summer, I work at Baskin Robbins in my hometown of O'Fallon, MO! I can't wait for you all to get to know me through my writings! :-)

Hello! My name is Mari and I am a freshman at Fontbonne. I am from Kansas City (Go Royals!). At FBU, I am involved in the GAP (Griffins Achieving Progress) program and I am the treasurer for the Latino Hispanic Union. I enjoy watching Gilmore Girls and trying new foods from different cultures.